Nancy Sue Martin passed away on Sunday, June 13, 2021, while in the care of Hospice of the Valley. She fought a valiant four-year battle with cancer.
Nancy was born March 1, 1942 to Willard and Martha Day in Hartford City, IN. Moving to Mesa, Arizona in 1947, Nancy never forgot her Indiana roots or lost her Hoosier “twang”. Graduating from the “old” Mesa High in 1960, she attended and completed her education at Arizona State University followed by a 30-year teaching career at Scottsdale and Chaparral High School. Nancy and her husband spent many summers touring many states and landmarks in their motor home. Upon retirement they moved to Bend, OR where they spent 20+ years.
While in Bend, Nancy became affiliated with the Assistance League of Bend serving in many positions and eventually becoming President. She continued to serve as a national committee member.
In 2014 Nancy moved back to Mesa where she and her sister “Trish” enjoyed the last seven years together. Neither could have been happier with the arrangement. While only back in “Jackrabbit” country a short time she enjoyed the class of 1960 high school monthly luncheons. She became a member of PEO chapter Z and looked forward to Thursday bridge as well as the annual PEO marathon bridge group.
Nancy is predeceased by her parents and her loving husband, Willie C. [Bill] Martin. Surviving is son, Christopher Wayne Hall [Kirsten], grandsons Garrett and Kyle, her sister Patricia Stabler and nephews Tom, Darren and Brian.
Nancy had a special quality that made everyone who met her want to be her friend … and she was. She leaves many friends in Bend, Mesa, and RVers around the country who remember her fondly.
Nancy’s cremated remains will be forever in Eaton, IN next to her parents.
Godspeed, Nancy, until we meet again.
So sorry for your loss. Nancy was my mentor and my friend. She is the reason I became so involved with Assistance League of Bend. Nancy had a sweet smile and contagious laugh that put everyone around her at ease. She will be missed. Gia
Nancy was more than a friend to me, she was like family. We shared so many wonderful travel experiences together attending Assistance League national and district conferences. We were roomies who laughed until all hours of the night and we made sure we hit all of the sights and the best restaurants in the towns we visited. I will never forget our weekend shopping trip to Portland where Nancy bought 6 pair of new shoes, none of which she needed! Our friends loved hearing our travel stories when we returned – and there were always plenty of stories to share. Nancy was an excellent teacher, mentor and organizer. Her knowledge of nonprofit bylaws, policies and procedures kept our Assistance League Chapter in excellent standing. Nancy was always looking for ways to improve things and provide more services to those in need. Nancy never met a stranger and would give you the shirt off of her back. I will forever miss and love you my friend, and yet I know it was time for you to go – you had suffered long enough. My God hold you in His loving arms until we meet again. Big Hugs, Connie
As I begin this tribute to my friend Nancy I feel her presence ,and hope I always will. She was Auntie Mama, Hello Dolly, and the Unsinkable Molly Brown all rolled into one. All of us loved it the minute she would walk in a room and light the place up. We called each other Frick and Frack (I was the tall Frick and she was the short Frack). We could have been in vaudeville. Nancy excelled at whatever she attempted and it was usually with a lot of laughter.
She loved her husband Bill and cared for him until he passed to Heaven. Their Chevy became her living memory of him; you wouldn’t dare ask if she was going to sell it. She loved her sister Trish. There was no question she would move from Bend back to Arizona where they would be together. She couldn’t have made a better decision; Trish served Nancy in the role of a blessed caretaker to perfection.
As for attributes of my friend, she was the most brave and courageous person, choosing life and to fight the battle of cancer with gusto. I have learned so much about how to live your life no matter what is handed to you. She will always be my hero. God chose the best and Heaven will never be the same! Love you Frack. ❤️
I so enjoyed meeting and sharing Assistance League moments with Nancy. As mentioned above, everyone loved Nancy, her sweet smile and she made everyone feel so welcomed. She was a special lady and I am so glad she was my friend. We will all miss you. Gwen